Fans are disappointed with the current direction of Marvel Spiderman comics need to read new comics Spider-Man: Fake Red. This comic is not a typical Spider-Man story, not focusing on Peter Parker, Miles Morales or any of the other superpowered characters who have taken on that role. Even so, it remains one of the best proofs of Spider-Man’s power and importance in any medium.
Spider-Man: Fake Red is a manga series created by Yusuke Osawa, about high school student Yu Onomae who lives in a version of the Marvel Universe. Yu is a social outcast who struggles both at school and his social life at the beginning of the story. He’s also a huge Spider-Man fan, who one day found his hero’s suit behind a trash can, a reference to the iconic “Spider-Man No More!” The story of Stan Lee and John Romita. While he himself has no superpowers, he begins to wear it and replaces the real Spider-Man who mysteriously disappeared. While saving people from disasters and supervillains, he learns to step out of his comfort zone and become a true hero.
Spider-Man: Fake Red is refreshing after the current Spidey comic
Part of what makes this story so satisfying to read is that it feels like a love letter to the character of Spider-Man without really mentioning much of Peter Parker. This is in stark contrast to the current Amazing Spider-Man run by Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr, which many fans feel is ruining Peter Parker’s life simply for portraying him suffering and struggling. The biggest example is how Peter and MJ broke up again, Mary Jane even had a baby with another man. While Spider-Man: Fake Red shows Peter having some issues with his love life, it stems from his double life as a hero, which is more in line with the origin of the character.
This is truly Spider-Man: Fake Red’s greatest strength. It was able to seamlessly incorporate many aspects of Spider-Man mythology in new and exciting ways. The biggest example is how it tackles Uncle Ben’s famous quote, “With great power comes great responsibility” (which Uncle Ben never actually said). Yu doesn’t have great strength, but when he found the suit, he took it upon himself to fulfill the mantle’s responsibility. In doing so, he reveals that despite the character’s penchant for suffering, Spider-Man is ultimately still a symbol of hope inspiring others.
Spider-Man: Fake Red shows what makes Spider-Man so great
Both old Spider-Man fans and those new to the character will find something to enjoy in Spider-Man: Fake Red. Yu’s journey makes for a satisfying story in its own right, but the manga also features some cameos by other characters in the manga for fans more familiar with the franchise. All this makes Spider-Man: Fake Red a perfect Spider-Man story that is both a refreshing departure from the current great Spider-Man and a perfect starting point for newcomers.
Spider-Man: Fake Red available from Viz Media.
